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Press Statement
It is six months since the exchanges of fire across the Blue Line began, and continue unabated, taking a heavy toll on both sides. The lives of thousands of people have been profoundly affected.
UNIFIL is very concerned over the surge of violence occurring across the Blue Line right now. This escalation has caused a high number of civilian deaths and the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
Over the past days we have seen a concerning shift in the exchanges of fire.
Last night, a peacekeeper was hurt after a patrol was attacked by a group of young men in Taybeh, south Lebanon.
A vehicle was also damaged.
Attacks on men and women serving the cause of peace are not only condemnable, but they are violations of Resolution 1701 and Lebanese law.
This evening, the Lebanese Armed Forces requested UNIFIL's assistance for seven individuals stranded near the Blue Line, close to Sheikh Abad's tomb, during a significant exchange of fire across the Blue Line.
Today we are observing intense exchanges of fire in several areas along the Blue Line between Lebanese territory and Israel.
Yesterday UNIFIL witnessed intense firing across the Blue Line during an extended period of time and on several points. Taken as a whole, this constituted exchanges of fire across the Blue Line.
This evening, at approximately 5:20 pm, a heavy exchange of fire erupted between Lebanon and Israel in the vicinity of Alma Shaab, Ayta Ash Shab', Al Dihaira, El Adeysse and Houla.
At around 5:30 pm, UNIFIL detected rocket firing from south of Tyre.
We continue to be in contact with authorities on both sides of the Blue Line to de-escalate this very dangerous situation.
We urge everyone to exercise restraint at this critical time.